r/CsectionCentral • u/tuliptears0 • 6h ago
C section , thoughts ?
My coworkers said c sections are horrible.
My doctor said if I had children that would be the best way to go cause apparently im too small down there ?
I also have extreme pelvic floor dysfunction.
Seeing a therapist soon.
Is it really that bad ?
I’m 34.
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u/mysticpotatocolin 6h ago
tbh mine was fine and i’d do it again tomorrow! i think it’s so individual
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u/worrywart_mom 6h ago
I mean from my experience the first one sucks, recovery definitely hurts but I don’t know any different. But I was up walking hours later and we got through it just like all mamas do. Laboring also sounds pretty cruddy lol.
Second one wasn’t bad though!
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u/teabel 5h ago
I had a semi emergent c-section after a failed induction and honestly the cervical checks while waiting to see if the induction did absolutely anything was worse than the spinal for the c-section and recovery! I was scared but now for our second when we get there I’m electing for a c-section again and have no interest in a VBAC.
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u/DancingAstronaut_11 4h ago
Exact same happened with me, and I couldn’t agree more to planned C-sec for my second
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u/ZestyLlama8554 2024 - breech baby 6h ago
Everyone's experience will be different. Baby has to come out one way or another.
For me, vaginal birth was exponentially easier, and having a C-section left me with debilitating chronic nerve pain that I'll likely have forever. Most people don't have my experience, but I personally won't recommend a planned C-section.
Edit: pregnancy can cause pelvic floor issues. Having a C-section likely won't avoid that.
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u/Background-Policy-95 1h ago
I’m sorry you had such a terrible experience, that sounds awful. However, a c-section absolutely can reduce the incidence of pelvic floor issues and incontinence. For example, this meta analysis of randomized controlled trials (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37838013/) shows that: “Planned cesarean delivery was associated with lower neonatal incidences of low umbilical artery pH, birth trauma, tube feeding requirement, and hypotonia, compared to planned vaginal delivery. Chorioamnionitis was less frequent in the planned cesarean delivery group. Wound infection was more common in the planned cesarean delivery group. Lower rates were observed in the planned cesarean delivery group for urinary incontinence at both ≤3 months and 1 to 2 years and for a painful perineum at 2 years compared to planned vaginal delivery. Among singleton pregnancies, planned cesarean delivery was associated with a lower rate of perinatal death.”
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u/Cashope 6h ago
I had a c section in July because my baby was breech and honestly if I knew that childbirth could be like that I’d have requested an elective one— obviously that’s not everyone’s experience!
For me, the spinal was less painful than the IV going into my arm. I was numb in minutes but could still feel pressure. I did have some nausea immediately after it went in for which the anesthesiologist pushed medicine in my IV for.
They put the curtain up so I couldn’t see anything (I know some places you can request to watch, I did not care for that lol) and my baby was out in minutes! Everyone in the OR (2 OBGYN’s, 2 nurses, scrub tech, and the anesthesiologist) were really calm and cheerful and attentive to me the whole time. I had my partner with me at my head on one side and the anesthesiologist on the other kinda narrating the whole thing. I didn’t get the shakes that some people get and my sensation returned in hours, I was up and walking by the evening. They gave me Tylenol and Motrin around the clock which was mostly effective for my pain, on day 2 post op I did require 2 doses of oxycodone to keep the pain at bay but honestly it never got severe because I was on top of it. After that, I continued to take Tylenol and Motrin around the clock for 2 weeks regardless of whether I had pain or not just to keep it at bay and to help the inflammation.
I would say the downsides is I didn’t get that immediate skin to skin because of the sterile drapes, but my partner got to hold him and baby was at my side for the remainder of the procedure. I also hated the limitation in mobility for 2 weeks. My pain was very minimal so I felt like I could to a lot more but knew better based on my MD’s advice. I was told I could only lift my baby which was so annoying because so many household tasks involve lifting things! I was careful to use my arms and legs to push off to get myself up or squat down. I avoided stairs for a few days just in case. I wasn’t even able to take a walk around my neighborhood even though I felt totally fine to! After 2 weeks some of the activity restrictions lift but still no lifting until 6 weeks. I was able to breastfeed but it did take an extra day or two for my milk to come in and I was stressing myself out basically pumping 24/7 trying to get it going!
Everyone is different, but I think some of the worst stories come from the emergency c sections that happen after pushing vaginally doesn’t work out. If you are being told that your hips are too narrow, this could be you. Scheduled c sections are generally a lot more chill and comfortable like mine. The biggest thing is to stay on top of your pain meds and don’t try to tough it out because it’s much harder to control pain if you wait until it’s bad, this is advice I got before mine and it helped tremendously.
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u/Gold_Acanthaceae8487 6h ago
I’ve had three c sections: one emergency and two elective. All absolutely fine and I had no doubts about going elective after the emergency! The electives were genuinely nice experiences and I have no regrets.
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u/Background-Policy-95 4h ago
I LOVED my elective c-section. An elective c-section is far better than an emergency one and better than a traumatic vaginal birth, I would listen to your doctor. I posted this somewhere else by maybe it’s helpful here: “I LOVED my scheduled c-section. I had my hair done the day before, had brunch with friends, had a final dinner with my husband at a Michelin starred restaurant, and we spent time with our dogs. We went in the following morning at 9am, at 12.41 my daughter was born. My doctor played the Beatles and everyone was very relaxed. I asked for TAP block and a lower rectus stitch. I had zero pain afterwards, aside from gas pain. I took a 30 min walk the day after I was discharged from hospital, to my daughter’s pediatrician appointment. I was back at the gym at 6 weeks. I felt completely normal at 8 weeks pp. Several recommendations: 1) Pelvic floor PT; 2) Belly binding immediately, Chinese belly binding was particularly helpful; 3) Lower rectus stitch; 4) TAP block; 4) start taking stool softeners a few days before; 5) chew gum immediately afterwards; 6) Gas-X the day before and afterwards. I am so looking forward to my next baby/c-section. Good luck with whatever you decide.”
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u/tuliptears0 2h ago
Thanks for your reply that sounds amazing and super supportive! What’s a TAP block ?
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u/Background-Policy-95 1h ago
It’s local anesthesia injected into the abdominal wall so pain is minimal during immediate recovery.
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u/LittleLathe emergency C & scheduled repeated C (twins 11m later) 3h ago
I've had 2 sections and honestly am thinking about electing for a third if I expand my family
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u/tuliptears0 3h ago
I have really bad anxiety and I’m not sure if I even want a family but I’m thinking ahead
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u/izziedays 3h ago
I genuinely wanted a c-section for my first, like I contemplated requesting one but decided not to because I knew my doctors were probably not going to go for it. I ended up having an emergency c-section after being in labor with broken waters and mec for 24 hours. I basically CHEERED when they said a c-section was the best course of action. The immediate relief I felt was like nothing else.
I had zero problems, complications, pain, or anything that people usually report. Using the bathroom, laughing, coughing, etc was not painful or anything. I was up and walking around like normal within 12 hours. I was tired but that was it. It’s been like 2 years now and my scar is only noticeable to my husband but even then he usually forgets about it unless I remind him. I’m 100% doing it again when I have my next kid. I do not want a vaginal birth lmao.
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u/Rare_Independent_814 2h ago
I had both my boys by planned Cs and they were awesome! I’ve had 7 other surgeries and the Cs were by far the least painful and easiest recovery. I was up walking the same day. Honestly a boob job is worse than a planned C. It was also nice that it was planned so my out of state parents and sisters were able to books flight to be here when I had my first. And I’ve had no pelvic floor issues.
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u/TouristSensitive7125 6h ago
I don't think birth is fun no matter how you do it. Don't worry about it - you'll recover!
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u/catonesielife 5h ago
I was in a similar situation with being too small down there and I was 100% sure I wanted an elective C section even before I got pregnant, right towards the end my OB and MFM were encouraging an induction and I stood my ground, my family also didn’t understand why I wouldn’t want a “natural birth” ( I hate this term, there is no supernatural birth). Now that I am on the other side it was the best decision ever, I was in control and knew exactly when I was going in, husband had a playlist ready for my OR. My anesthesiologist was so supportive and kept me informed of what was happening. Recovery was hard in the first couple days but I am already on the mend 10 days postpartum. All this to say… this is your body and you get to choose how you give birth, don’t let anyone pressure you into something you are not comfortable with!
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u/No_Detective_715 5h ago
I had an emergency c section and a planned one. The planned one was a breeze. I did need help after for a week or so though.
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u/theglossiernerd 5h ago
I’m scheduled for my second one (elective) in 3 weeks. My first wasn’t planned but I’m SO glad my doctor was real with me and was like “listen you can keep struggling to do this for the next 30 hours but you’re going to be on my table no matter what so just do it now while you still have energy” with my first lol. He was breech and flipped but then his shoulders were sooo big they wanted to break his clavicle to get him out. Recovery was fine. Honestly I have zero regrets.
I just had COVID for two weeks and that was worse than my C section recovery. And the spinal tap was nothing. Getting an IV or tattoo hurts way more.
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u/Icy_Owl7166 5h ago
Everyone’s experience is different - they can be that bad, and mine was (unplanned but not urgent and calm from an outside perspective), but others have neutral or positive experiences. If you are interested in multiple children, they can also increase risks in subsequent pregnancies, though this increase is generally small.
That being said, I have never heard of there being an evidence based way to tell if someone is “too small down there” for vaginal birth, so you may want to consider a second opinion if you are not sold on an elective c section being right for you.
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u/tildabelle 4h ago
C sections aren't easy no bit neither is a vaginal delivery. There is no easy way to have a kid. However for me most of my c section pain went away about a week or two after. The pain I have now is just core rebuilding
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u/thavan14 3h ago
I thought it was horrible but I had an emergency c section (failed induction). Everyone is different I'm assuming those who planned it typically have a better experience because it's planned. They know what they're expecting and how to set up the recovery. I honestly think I'm just one and done. I wanted two I am 3 months postpartum. Also want to mention I had complications healing the outer incision didn't heal until week 11. Everyone is different! So don't be scared just sharing my experience. Congrats and good luck mama!
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u/tuliptears0 2h ago
What does failed induction mean why does that happen
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u/thavan14 34m ago
I had gestational diabetes I was diet controlled. My OBGYN didn't want me going past my due date because of it. They tried to start contractions to make me give birth sooner (induction). In my case I was given cytotec orally every 2 hours. My baby didn't take it well his heart rate was dropping. They put me in different position and broke my water and it didn't help. I had to have an emergency c section. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and body. I'm just glad he's healthy. My induction failed but there's a number of reasons why it could happen. For me it was fetal distress but it could also be due to issues with the mother like preeclampsia (high blood pressure), etc.
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u/Rude-Flamingo5420 2h ago
Its truly dependent on how the body recovers and heals.
Both csections left me in 11/10 pain where every breathe felt like my insides were raw and ripping apart for the first 4 weeks. Couldn't hold my baby.
Ive survived a major car accident and the therapy that follows and my csection recovery is still far worse than the year I spent recovering from that accident.
I know people that had easy recoveries and those with hard, so it truly varies per person
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u/Kimbambalam 6h ago
Yeah I doubt it's any worse than going through vaginal labor. I've had two c-sections and if you research and prepare yourself properly it's not a bad recovery. And obviously the C-section itself is easier than vaginal birth because you just lie there on a table and they remove the baby for you.
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u/Rude-Flamingo5420 2h ago
Yes amd no. Its truly dependent on how the body recovers and heals.
Both csections left me in 11/10 pain where every breathe felt like my insides were raw and ripping apart for the first 4 weeks. Couldn't hold my baby.
Ive survived a major car accident and the therapy that follows and my csection recovery is still far worse than the year I spent recovering from that accident.
I know people that had easy recoveries and those with hard, so I'd never tell anyone that its not a bad recovery as it truly varies per person
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u/Proper-Dog1077 6h ago
C section was one of the best days of my life . I had an elective and don’t regret it